Objectives: We sought to assess the ability of a new multi-channel electrical bioimpedance (MEB) methodology to accurately measure both cardiac blood flow and peripheral limb blood flow.
Background: Cardiac output is the primary determinant of peripheral blood flow; however, optimal regional tissue perfusion is ultimately dependent on the patency of the arterial conduits that transport that flow. A complete understanding of regional tissue perfusion requires knowledge of both cardiac and peripheral blood flow. Existing noninvasive devices do not simultaneously assess the cardiac and peripheral circulations.
Methods: Cardiac blood flow (cardiac output) was measured by MEB in 30 healthy volunteers and was compared to a 2D-Echo Doppler cardiac output. Peripheral blood flow (regional ankle and arm flow) was measured by MEB in 15 healthy volunteers. The MEB ankle/arm flow ratio (AAI index) was then compared to a conventional ankle/brachial pressure ratio (ABI index).
Results: There was good correlation between the mean cardiac index by MEB (3.08 l/min/m2) and by Echo Doppler (3.13 l/min/m2) and bias and precision was 0.051 (1.6%) and +/-0.52 l/min/m2 (+/-17%), respectively. The close correlation was maintained for each measurement over a wide range of cardiac indices. There was good correlation between AAI and ABI measurements (p < 0.05) with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 100%.
Conclusions: MEB methodology can precisely measure cardiac output and peripheral limb flow in healthy volunteers.